The US economy added only 156,000 jobs in September, the US Department of Labor announced on Friday, a figure likely to be seized on as the presidential race enters its final stretch. Job growth has slowed down this year, with the number of jobs added averaging about 178,000 jobs a month. Economists do not expect the US central bank to raise interest rates at that meeting as it is so close to the election. Recently, Trump has accused the Fed of keeping interest rates low to create a “false economy” and to benefit Barack Obama. It was expected to raise interest rates four times this year, but forecasters now expect only one rate hike, this December.

Source: The Guardian October 07, 2016 12:32 UTC